Where else can you have the best beaches, snorkeling and shopping all in one place, other than the Caribbean’s Grand Cayman? The luxurious beaches and coral reefs, along with tax-free shopping make for a splendid vacation. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I visited this port-of-call and love sharing ways to enjoy Grand Cayman.
Grand Cayman is the largest of 3 islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Once a dependency of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands became under British rule in 1962. Cayman Islands’ reefs are some of the healthiest reef systems in the Caribbean. Protected for almost 30 years, the reefs maintain a remarkable sustainability. Furthermore, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute focuses on reef resilience and restoration as a benchmark for innovative practices. Overall, 50% of the marine habitats are protected.
The Cayman Islands are a wonderful vacation destination. There are many ways to enjoy the pristine beaches and islands. For example, there are glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, scuba-diving, parasailing, rum distillery tours, art galleries, museums, and dining. Additionally, many come for the tax-free shopping in the Island’s capital, George Town. Grand Cayman is approximately 22 miles (35 km) long with its widest point being 8 miles (13 km).
George Town for Shopping
This vibrant port is known worldwide as a financial center for offshore banking and investments. Moreover, there are 600 banks in George Town. Additionally, the island’s shopping is known for its tax and duty-free luxury items, for example, jewelry, clothing and alcohol. Many of the shops are on the bustling Cardinal Street. Formerly a settlement with Fort George, ruins still remain in the town. Also, George Town has Rum Distillery Tours, art galleries and Cayman Islands National Museum.
Seven Mile Beach and Others – Grand Cayman Beaches
Grand Cayman is surrounded by white, pristine sands touting 6 gorgeous beaches: Seven Mile, Cayman Kai, Rum Point, Sandy Point, Smith Cove and Owen Island. I swam and rejuvenated at the most popular Grand Cayman Beach, Seven Mile Beach.
Seven Mile Beach is just 7 km from George Town. It’s a long crescent layout of coral-sand beach on the western end of the island. Everyone is able to walk the nearly 7 miles of this lovely beach. This area is developed with many of the luxury resorts and hotels along its shores. Additionally, there are numerous beach bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Stingray City
Another one of Cayman Island’s most popular attractions is Stingray City. 25 miles offshore, this group of sandbars is a marine paradise. Boat Tours bring you out to the site, where the vibrant coral reef snorkeling is fantastic. Living up to its name, visitors also interact with the friendly Southern Stingrays in 3 feet of water. Furthermore, you can even get a photo holding one of the stingrays (with stinger pointing away from you). It’s great fun and a wonderful way to get up close and personal with not only the stingrays, but also the coral reefs.
Overall…
Grand Cayman is a wonderful way to get away from it all and just relax. The beautiful beaches and reefs, along with world-renowned shopping offers a balanced retreat for nature and nurture.
Related: Caribbean Travel Guides
